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The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and reproducibility of quantitative assessment of colonic morphology on CT colonography (CTC). CTC datasets from 60 patients with optimal colonic distension were assessed using prototype software. Metrics potentially associated with poor endoscopic performance were calculated for the total colon and each segment including: length, volume, tortuosity (number of high curvature points <90°), and compactness (volume of box containing centerline divided by centerline length). Sigmoid apex height relative to the lumbosacral junction was also measured. Datasets were quantified twice each, and intra-reader reliability was evaluated using concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot. Complete quantitative datasets including the five proposed metrics were generated from 58 of 60 (97 %) CTC examinations. The sigmoid and transverse segments were the longest (55.9 and 51.4 cm), had the largest volumes (0.410 and 0.609 L), and were the most tortuous (3.39 and 2.75 high curvature points) and least compact (3347 and 3595 mm2), noting high inter-patient variability for all metrics. Mean height of the sigmoid apex was 6.7 cm, also with high inter-patient variability (SD 6.8 cm). Intra-reader reliability was high for total and segmental lengths and sigmoid apex height (CCC = 0.9991) with excellent repeatability coefficient (CR = 3.0-3.3). There was low percent variance of metrics dependent upon length (median 5 %). Detailed automated quantitative assessment of colonic morphology on routine CTC datasets is feasible and reproducible, requiring minimal reader interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Assess differences in three-dimensional colonic metrics on CTC in women with or without hysterectomy following incomplete endoscopy to determine if there is a correlation between colonic morphology and incomplete colonoscopy after hysterectomy. Methods: Quantitative rectosigmoid metrics were derived from CTC datasets of 37 women with hysterectomy and 36 women without hysterectomy who underwent CTC for incomplete endoscopy. Evaluated metrics included colonic length, volume, tortuosity, and compactness and sigmoid apex height relative to the lumbosacral junction. Differences were measured using the Student's t test, and intra-reader reliability was assessed using ICC. The relative risk of incomplete rectosigmoid visualization was determined by reviewing the endoscopy reports. Results: Women with hysterectomy had a lower sigmoid apex height ( p = 0.002), as well as increased tortuosity ( p = 0.012) and compactness ( p = 0.001) and decreased length ( p = 0.026) and volume ( p = 0.016) of the rectosigmoid. Intra-reader reliability was high for centerline length (ICC = 0.9940) and sigmoid apex height (ICC = 0.9851). The relative risk of incomplete visualization of the rectosigmoid on endoscopy in women with hysterectomy was 2.068 ( p = 0.043) compared to women without hysterectomy. Conclusion: Our pilot data show reproducible quantitative differences in three-dimensional metrics of the rectosigmoid in women with or without hysterectomy who underwent CTC for incomplete endoscopy and increased relative risk of incomplete endoscopic visualization of the rectosigmoid after hysterectomy. Our findings suggest that women with hysterectomy may benefit from CTC rather than endoscopy as the initial diagnostic test for evaluating the colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of digital photographs of plain film chest X-rays (CXRs) obtained using a mobile phone. The study was a randomized, non-inferiority trial, in which physical plain film CXRs viewed on a light box were compared with digital photographs of plain film CXRs. CXRs were selected from a database of radiology studies to show common pathologies found in Botswana associated with pneumonia, lung carcinoma, tuberculosis, pneumothorax and interstitial disease, as well as normal findings. The pre-selected diagnoses were subsequently verified by a second radiologist. Seven radiologists were randomized to review 75 plain film CXRs on light boxes before viewing 75 digital photographs, or vice versa. Their responses were considered correct if they matched the pre-defined diagnosis. For both modalities, the correct diagnosis was provided in 79% of cases; for plain film CXRs, the correct diagnosis was provided in 82% of cases and for digital photographs the correct diagnosis was provided in 76% of cases. The difference in diagnostic accuracy was −5.7% (95% CI: −10.8% to −0.5%), which confirmed non-inferiority (P < 0.001) for the primary outcome of diagnostic accuracy. A subgroup analysis demonstrated non-inferiority for lung carcinoma and pneumonia images, although non-inferiority was not achieved for pneumothorax, tuberculosis, interstitial disease or normal images. The study demonstrates that digital photographs of CXRs obtained via a mobile phone equipped with a digital camera are non-inferior to plain film CXRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of computer-aided detection (CAD) as a second reader or concurrent reader in helping radiologists who are moderately experienced in computed tomographic colonography (CTC) to detect colorectal polyps. Methods: Seventy CTC datasets (34 patients: 66 polyps ≥6 mm; 36 patients: no abnormalities) were retrospectively reviewed by seven radiologists with moderate CTC experience. After primary unassisted evaluation, a CAD second read and, after a time interval of ≥4 weeks, a CAD concurrent read were performed. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), along with per-segment, per-polyp and per-patient sensitivities, and also reading times, were calculated for each reader with and without CAD. Results: Of seven readers, 86 % and 71 % achieved a higher accuracy (segment-level AUC) when using CAD as second and concurrent reader respectively. Average segment-level AUCs with second and concurrent CAD (0.853 and 0.864) were significantly greater ( p < 0.0001) than average AUC in the unaided evaluation (0.781). Per-segment, per-polyp, and per-patient sensitivities for polyps ≥6 mm were significantly higher in both CAD reading paradigms compared with unaided evaluation. Second-read CAD reduced readers' average segment and patient specificity by 0.007 and 0.036 ( p = 0.005 and 0.011), respectively. Conclusions: CAD significantly improves the sensitivities of radiologists moderately experienced in CTC for polyp detection, both as second reader and concurrent reader. Key Points: • CAD helps radiologists with moderate CTC experience to detect polyps ≥6 mm. • Second and concurrent read CAD increase the radiologist's sensitivity for detecting polyps ≥6 mm. • Second read CAD slightly decreases specificity compared with an unassisted read. • Concurrent read CAD is significantly more time-efficient than second read CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) denied coverage for screening computed tomography colonography (CTC) in March 2009, little is understood about whether CTC was targeted to the appropriate patient population prior to this decision. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate patient characteristics and known relative clinical indications for screening CTC among patients who received CTC compared to optical colonoscopy (OC). DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional study of all 10,538 asymptomatic Medicare beneficiaries who underwent CTC between January 2007 and December 2008, compared to a cohort of 160,113 asymptomatic beneficiaries who underwent OC, matched on county of residence and year of examination. MAIN MEASURES: Patient characteristics and known relative appropriate and inappropriate clinical indications for screening CTC. KEY RESULTS: CTC utilization was higher among women, patients > 65 years of age, white patients, and those with household income > 75 % ( p = 0.001). Patients with relatively appropriate clinical indications for screening CTC were more likely to undergo CTC than OC including presumed incomplete OC (OR 80.7, 95 % CI 76.01-85.63); sedation risk (OR 1.11, 95 % CI 1.05-1.17); and chronic anticoagulation risk (OR 1.46, 95 % CI 1.38-1.54), after adjusting for patient characteristics and known clinical indications. Conversely, patients undergoing high-risk screening, an inappropriate indication, were less likely to receive CTC (OR 0.4, 95 % CI 0.37-0.42). Overall, 83 % of asymptomatic patients referred to CTC had at least one clinical indication relatively appropriate for CTC (8,772/10,538). CONCLUSION: During the 2 years preceding CMS denial for screening, CTC was targeted to asymptomatic patients with relatively appropriate clinical indications for CTC/not receiving OC. However, CTC utilization was lower among certain demographic groups, including minority patients. These findings raise the possibility that future coverage of screening CTC might exacerbate disparities in colorectal cancer screening while increasing overall screening rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To present the gastrointestinal (GI) complications associated with bevacizumab therapy and their findings on abdominal imaging studies. Methods: A computerized search identified 11 patients with GI complications of bevacizumab therapy on abdominal CT (n = 11) and fluoroscopic GI contrast studies (n = 4) who met our study criteria (including five patients with ovarian cancer, five with colon cancer, and one with cervical cancer). The medical records and imaging studies were reviewed to determine the clinical and radiographic findings in these patients. Results: All 11 patients had findings of GI perforation on CT, or CT and GI contrast studies. CT revealed a localized extraluminal collection containing gas, fluid, and/or contrast material in eight patients (73%) with focal perforation, and free abdominal air and fluid in three (27%) with free perforation The imaging studies also revealed seven fistulas, including two colovaginal, one rectovaginal, one enterocutaneous, one colocutaneous, one gastrocolic, and one colorectal fistula. Eight (73%) of the 11 patients died within 1 year of the development of GI perforation, and the perforation was felt to be the cause of death in four patients (36%). Conclusion: Abdominal CT and fluoroscopic GI contrast studies are useful imaging tests for the diagnosis of potentially life-threatening GI perforation as a complication of bevacizumab therapy. When GI perforation is detected on abdominal imaging studies, treatment with bevacizumab should immediately be discontinued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is typically employed to evaluate the uterus following UAE for fibroid infarction, size, location change, persistent enhancement, changes in adenomyosis, and uterine necrosis. Variable pattern of calcification on computed tomography (CT) can differentiate embolic particles and fibroid involution. CT following UAE may be requested because of acute pelvic pain or chest discomfort or pyrexia and/or for complications that may require treatment in acute phase. Visualization of gas in uterus and uterine vessels following UAE is an expected finding that should not be misinterpreted as a sign of infection. The MRI and CT appearances vary depending upon the time interval after UAE and success of the procedure. Radiologists should be familiar with the range of post-UAE appearances on MRI and CT to better aid clinicians in correct diagnosis and treatment. The main purpose of this pictorial review is to identify the spectrum of findings on MRI and CT performed after UAE, to illustrate UAE-associated common and uncommon MRI and CT appearances and discuss post-UAE complications that require urgent medical or surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of fetal gender assignment from three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) data at 10–24 weeks' gestation. Three-dimensional ultrasound volume data on 47 fetuses were reviewed and divided into groups: 10–14, 15–18, and 19–24 weeks. Fetal genitalia were studied in axial and sagittal planes for gender assignment, using published criteria. The most valuable plane for assignment was noted. Gender assignment was compared with gender at birth. Gender assignment was possible in 44 of 47 fetuses; 25 assigned male and 19 female. Between 10 and 14 weeks the mid-sagittal plane alone was diagnostic for all fetuses. Accuracy of assignment between 11 and 14 weeks was 100%. Between 15 and 18 and 19 to 24 weeks, male assignment was 100% accurate. Female assignment was 100% accurate between 15 and 18 weeks. Accuracy decreased to 60% in the 19 to 24 week group, however, in two of the five cases in which gender was wrongly assigned to be male, the assignment was prospectively considered doubtful due to poor resolution of volume data. Excluding these two cases, accuracy for female assignment in the 19–24 week group was 100%. Using 3D US, gender assignment was possible in 44 of 47 of fetuses, as early as 11 weeks' gestation. In early gestation, 11–14 weeks, accuracy of male and female gender assignment was 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a standard technique for using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) to study and evaluate the cervix in pregnant women at high risk for premature delivery, comparing the findings on 3D US with those on conventional two-dimensional ultrasound (2D US). Twenty-one pregnant women at high risk for premature delivery had a total of 37 transvaginal 2D and 3D US examinations of the cervix between 11 and 32 weeks' gestation. A 3D US vaginal probe (5.0–8.0 MHz, Voluson 530D, Medison, Pleasanton, CA, USA) was used. Measurements made from the 2D and 3D US were compared. Of the 37 cervical length measurements in 3D US sagittal plane, seven were shorter and three were longer than on 2D US (varying by 5–15 mm) indicating that the true mid-sagittal plane was not obtained in ten (27%) of the 37 2D US examinations. Of 21 examinations showing funneling, funneling was seen on both 2D and 3D US in 15, but was seen only on 3D US in six. There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference between funnel width as measured in the coronal 3D plane versus 2D US, as well as between funnel width in the coronal 3D US plane versus sagittal 3D US plane (P < 0.05). The cerclage was seen in its entirety in nine of 10 examinations; the 3D US axial plane was most valuable for imaging the cerclage. 3D US appears to offer a more complete assessment of the cervix than 2D US. Multiplanar correlation shows that the standard 2D US sagittal view may under- or over-estimate cervical length. Our preliminary data suggest that 3D US has the potential to improve our understanding of cervical morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate that acoustic shadowing in 3D US may give rise to artifacts simulating limb defects and provide a solution to eliminate its occurrence. Twenty second trimester fetuses (gestational age 15–24 weeks) were scanned with three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) using a sagittal acquisition plane. Fetal tibia/fibula and radius/ulna pairs were assessed for completeness of imaging. A further 20 fetuses (gestational age 20–26 weeks) were scanned in both axial and sagittal planes and the results compared to verify clear visualization of both bones. Shadowing from adjacent structures produced an apparent limb defect in 55% of the first 20 fetuses imaged only sagittally (18% of limb pairs). Acquiring data from more than one orientation avoided this artifact. The 3D US is subject to the same artifacts as two-dimensional (2D US) in terms of acoustic shadowing, although their presentation may be different. Awareness of this fact is essential for correct interpretation of 3D US studies. Three-dimensional scanning protocols should be modified to ensure that fetal structures are adequately visualized by acquiring volume data in more than one acquisition orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess how computed tomography (CT) affected clinical management in coagulopathic patients with suspected spontaneous abdominal hemorrhage.Methods: Fifty-four patients with coagulopathy underwent CT for possible abdominal hemorrhage. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for pre-CT management strategy, degree of clinical suspicion for abdominal hemorrhage, CT findings, and post-CT management strategy.Results: Abdominopelvic CT demonstrated hemorrhage in 31/54 (57%) of patients; 20/54 (37%) of patients had retroperitoneal hemorrhage, 2/54 (4%) had hemoperitoneum, and 9/54 (17%) had hemorrhage confined to the thigh, groin, and/or abdominal wall. CT directly affected clinical management in 28/54 (54%) cases; 17/31 (55%) CT scans that were positive for hemorrhage had a clinical impact versus 11/23 (48%) negative CT scans. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.61). CT scans with a higher pretest suspicion for abdominal hemorrhage were more likely to have hemorrhage detected (p = 0.0046) but not more likely to have a clinical impact (p = 0.73).Conclusions: CT to assess for abdominal hemorrhage had a direct impact on clinical management in about one-half of coagulopathic patients. Positive and negative CT studies were equally likely to affect management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nontraumatic glenohumeral subluxation can occur in patients with hemiplegia or brachial plexus involvement by tumor. Two cases of inferior subluxation of the humeral head are presented and nontraumatic etiologies of the "drooping shoulder" are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomographic (CT) scans of the esophagus were performed on 15 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction prior to endoscopic laser therapy (ELT). The scans were evaluated for proximity to adjacent structures, symmetry, and luminal deviation, to help the endoscopist plan the route for therapy. A total of 50 procedures were performed without any serious complications. Pretreatment CT scans are a useful adjunct to ELT for carcinomas of the esophagus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case report is presented of the prenatal diagnosis of conjoined twins at 10 weeks and 2 days’ gestation using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US). The multiplanar display coupled with 3D US surface rendering clearly confirmed the presence of craniopagus. The twins were facing in opposite directions with the left occipital region of one embryo fused with the left parietal-temporal region of the other. Additional multiplanar analysis above the level of the biparietal diameter demonstrated brain sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Primary fallopian tube carcinoma: Imaging features on MRI, CT and Ultrasound," by J. Itri and colleagues, is presented.

Purpose: Assess the importance of sonohysterography findings in women with suspected/known myomas particularly with regard to location within/near the endometrial cavity and its impact on treatment. Methods: Review of 240 sonohysterograms identified 109 women (age 24–76, mean 42.4; 84.4% pre-menopausal, 15.6% post-menopausal) with suspected/known myomas. Images, reports, pathology/surgery results, and clinical/imaging follow up were reviewed. Myoma location with respect to the cavity was described and feasibility of hysteroscopic resection assessed. Results: Indications for sonohysterography abnormal bleeding (74.3%), infertility (8.3%), other (17.4%). Five groups were defined (1) normal cavity (19/109 patients, 17.4%); (2) normal but displaced cavity (7/109, 6.4%); (3) myoma with endoluminal component (50/109, 45.9%); (4) other endoluminal findings, mostly polyps (25/109, 22.9%); (5) myoma plus other (8/109, 7.3%). An intracavitary myoma(s) (ICM), a submucous myoma >50% within the cavity, was found in 45 patients; submucous – 20; mural – 71; and subserosal – 37 (57 patients had myomas in more than one location). SHG indicated that myomas were amenable to hysteroscopic resection (HR) in 45 women; in 39 others SHG revealed that myoma(s) were not amenable to HR. There was a significant difference in the use of hysteroscopic resection between these two groups; HR was performed in 21/45 (46.7%) of the former but only in 2/39 (5.1%) of the latter (P < 0.01). Other treatments were not significantly different between the two groups: hysterectomy in 7/45(15.6%) and 5/39(12.8%); abdominal myomectomy in 1/45 (2.2%) and 3/39 (7.7%); uterine artery embolization, curettage or endometrial ablation in 4/45 (8.9%) and 3/39 (7.7%), respectively. Sonohysterography findings were proved by pathology, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy or imaging in 64/109 (63.3%) patients; however, in the ICM group, 41/45 (91.1%) were proved. Conclusions: SHG is useful for... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]